Bicycle spokes: what are there and how to choose?

The quality of bicycle wheels depends on the level of performance of their elements. Wheels consist of three items: hubs, rims and spokes. In this case, the spokes are the connecting element of all parts. From the material in this article, you will learn what they are and how to choose the option you want.

A bicycle wheel spoke connects the hub to the rim. Due to it, the wheel acquires high strength with low weight. In addition to ensuring the integrity of the structure, the spokes are a kind of shock absorbers. Thanks to their flexibility, it is possible to distribute the load on the rim. Having an upright position, they overcome the force of gravity.

They consist of a rod and a nipple or a mushroom nut, which is necessary for fastening to the rim. The riveted end of the rod is bent, the second has a thread (threaded or rolled). Options of the second type are considered more reliable and durable. Bicycle spokes center the rim, keep the shape of the wheel, in addition to being strong, give it rigidity.

Bicycle spokes can be classified according to several characteristics.

In the manufacturing process, different raw materials are used: stainless steel (chrome-molybdenum), aluminum, carbon, titanium. Steel products are chrome-plated or nickel-plated. Aluminum spokes are used when it is necessary to reduce the weight of the bike itself. Carbon and titanium products are lightweight but expensive. They are used for sports models.

Nuts are made from bronze, aluminum and steel. The first ones are good because they rarely stick to it, which makes it easier to replace the needles if necessary. Steel products differ in budgetary cost, although specialists like them less than bronze products. The aluminum options are more expensive, but lighten the wheel structure.

All varieties can be roughly divided into 3 rulers: rolled, flat and drawn type. The options of the first group are considered the most common, due to their simplicity and low cost. They are made from a steel rod of the required diameter.

Often these varieties are called cylindrical with a constant thickness. They feature a wide range of profiles and varying lengths. The disadvantages of the products are their weight and the need for frequent replacement.

The second line consists of butted cylindrical modifications. They are relevant when cycling when the wheels are suddenly hit. These are pull type options for off-road riders. By absorbing some of the pressure, they transfer the rest to the frame and steering wheel. Variable thickness contributes to better load distribution.

These knitting needles come with one, two nubs and triple butted. Models of the second type are considered priority options.... Products with triple thickening are needed for electric bicycles as well as downhill.

Analogs of a flat type differ from rolled products in a flat shape. They are aligned along the same plane, thereby increasing aerodynamics and final strength. Their cost is higher than rolled products.

They have an aerodynamic profile to reduce air resistance. These are variations of the butted ruler that vary in thickness. Often their profile is compatible with all types of bushings.

The entire assortment on sale is divided into 2 groups: direct and indirect types. Variable section options include several rulers.

• Single-butted. Sparse, thickened at the head end. They are used when high strength is required on wheels with a rim with typical holes.

• Double-butted. Helps reduce bike weight, thicker at both ends but flattened in the middle. They stretch well, transfer part of the stress to neighboring spokes, and are effective against shock loads.

• Triple-butted. They differ in three different section diameters. A great option for those looking for durable and strong bicycle spokes. They have the advantages of the first two types and are suitable for tourism with a load.

• Aerodynamic elliptical. They are distinguished by their streamlined shape, in the middle they look like an ellipse.

• Aerodynamic flat. Looks like a teardrop or flat profile. They are too wide for a standard sleeve, which means you have to make holes in the flange when attaching them.

The size of the products depends on the type of bike.

For example:

• models for children and adolescents are suitable for options with parameters in 12 and 16 inches;
• the trial needs products in 19 and 20 inches;
• BMX, Liguerad and folding bikes fit 20-inch spokes;
• rear wheel modifications for turf, street, downhill and freeride require 24-inch products;
• the main part of mountain bicycles needs products with a size characteristic of 26 inches;
• 27 inches is considered an obsolete bicycle wheel size;
• 29 inches are bought for mountain, hybrid, and city bike models.

The thickness of the needles is usually measured in mm. Depending on the type of bicycle spokes, its values ​​can be 1.6, 1.8, 2, 2.3 mm. At the same time, depending on the bike, the models for the front and rear wheels may be different. The thickness of the reinforced models is 3 mm in diameter. Such options are used for motor wheels. The nipples are 12, 14, 16 mm long. The parameters of the spokes are matched to the diameter of the entire wheel.

To find out the necessary parameters, you have to resort to deriving a special formula or using a length calculator. The second method is much simpler, you can find Russified applications that are able to adjust the geometric length of the needles by 1 mm. The simplified formula looks like this:

SpokeLengthx = SQRT (Wx2 + Dx2 + ERD2-2 * Dx * ERD * cos (360 / (N / 2) * K).

Decoding:

• SpokeLengthx - right or left spoke (xR or xL);
• Wx - WR or WL (length from center to flange);
• Dx - DR or DL ​​(flange diameter);
• S is the diameter of the hole for the spoke.

The assortment of brands includes products with a length of 175, 184, 186, 188, 252, 254, 262 mm. Based on the variety, the knitting needles can be standard or colored. The latest versions are made of stainless steel.

In England, adult bicycle wheels were originally fitted with 72 spokes (32 in the front and 40 in the rear). In other countries, 36 spokes were used on the wheels. For a typical bike, this number was quite sufficient. Their number for a road-type analogue may be smaller (28, 24 pcs.).

However, despite experimenting with an extreme number of spokes (16 pcs.), the best strength characteristics are possessed by wheels, into which 36 spokes are inserted. Products with less quantity are suitable for recreational cyclists. Wherein the number of spokes in different models may vary, but it should always be a multiple of 2 or 4.

The lacing options may vary. This is due to the different type of load (it is significantly less on the front wheel).

The spokes of the front and rear wheels are radial and tangential (straight and cruciform). In the first case, the spokes go from the rim to the hub. This type of lacing is considered not the best, it is not so reliable. However, this option looks aesthetically pleasing and is quite suitable for the front wheels of a bicycle. But when the buyer installs the spokes using this method, he loses the warranty.

In the cruciform version of the fastening, the spoke is not attached directly to the hub, but tangentially. In this case, it intersects three times with other spokes between the hub and the rim (option 3X). These wheels are stronger and more reliable. In addition to 3-cross lacing, there is 4X lacing.

The best option would be models of the same type that are in the wheels. You can buy them one by one today, and therefore it will not be difficult to replace a broken knitting needle.

When there is a need to replace and select the right type of knitting needles, they pay attention to several rules of a good purchase.

• You should not take expensive products if there is no need for them. For example, a non-professional rider can use stainless steel options. The professional needs enhanced modifications.
• The type of bicycle spokes should depend on the intended loads. A beginner does not need enhanced modifications, which are also difficult to obtain.
• You need to take models with an average thickness, at an affordable price. The number is taken based on the needs and parameters of a particular rim.
• You can consult a consultant about the length. It will quickly help you determine the right option based on the rim diameter, manufacturer's brand, sleeve dimensions, spoke type.
• Geometry for a beginner should be simple or flat, with optimal stress increases in rough terrain.
• It is better to choose inverted spokes, due to which the moment of inertia is reduced.
• The best position of the knitting needles is pair-cross. In this case, it will be possible to increase the lateral rigidity and tension force, evenly distributing the load on the rim.
• The ideal number of needles is 36. The minimum number for the front wheel is 28. For a tandem, the best option would be to buy 40 or 48 knitting needles.
• The type of thread is important. Knurled knitting needles are more durable but more expensive.

In the next video, you will learn how to properly tighten your bicycle spokes.